David Benavidez has started training early, trying to get in shape for the title defense of his WBC light heavyweight belt in 14 weeks, 3 days from now, on November 22nd against Anthony Yarde at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Weight Gain After Morrell Victory
Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) appears to have put on some weight around his midsection since his career-best victory over David Morrell earlier this year on February 1st. So, it makes sense for him to have started training early to lose weight.
‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez looks slightly thinner around his tummy from a week ago, but you can still spot the Elvis paunch despite the baggy t-shirt he wore during today’s workout. He appears to be carrying an extra 25 lbs that needs to be shed by the time he faces the heavily muscular Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs).
It’s surprising how much weight Benavidez put on so quickly after his 12-round unanimous decision win over Morrell. It’s possible that he rewarded himself with food after the impressive showing. After all, it was a tough fight in which Benavidez was dropped and took massive punishment to the head and body from the harder-hitting Cuban.
Benavidez won the fight, but came out of it looking like the loser in terms of facial damage. Morrell’s punches looked like they were thrown so effortlessly, yet they rearranged Benavidez’s face.
Why This Fight Is So Important
It’s important that Benavidez win this fight and look like pure gold because it’s going to be shown on DAZN PPV in Riyadh. Turki Alalshikh will likely be in the front row, watching Benavidez in action, deciding how he wants to match him for his next fight.
Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev is on the undercard, fighting Deon Nicholson. There’s the possibility that if Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) and Benavidez both win their fights on November 22nd, they could meet next in a massive battle that would make Artur’s two clashes against Dmitry Bivol look like small time.
Last Updated on 08/14/2025
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